watering my plant
Aglaonema
Aglaonema modestum
Water about every 11 days.
Let the soil dry out between waterings. Push a finger a couple of inches into the soil before you pour. Dry at that depth means go ahead; still cool and damp means wait. The top dries first and lies about the rest.
How your pot, light and size change it
Every 11 days is the starting point. Here’s how each part of your setup moves it on its own — the free schedule tool combines all of them for your plant.
| Factor | Setup | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | Terracotta | every 10 days |
| Plastic | every 11 days | |
| Glazed ceramic | every 12 days | |
| Light | Bright | every 10 days |
| Medium | every 11 days | |
| Low | every 12 days | |
| Plant size | Small | every 10 days |
| Medium | every 11 days | |
| Large | every 12 days |
How much water to give
Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — a Aglaonema sitting in water is the quickest way to rot its roots.
Watering Aglaonema through the seasons
In spring and summer, growth picks up and warm days pull moisture from the pot faster. In a hot, dry spell our schedule tightens to about every 8 days. In autumn and winter the plant slows down and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the schedule stretches to about every 15 days. Whatever the season, check the soil before you pour — the date is a reminder, the soil has the final say.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering
Because a Aglaonema likes to dry out between drinks, too much water is the more common problem. Signs of overwatering: yellowing lower leaves, soft or mushy stems, soil that never seems to dry and a musty smell from the pot. Signs of underwatering: drooping or curling leaves, crispy edges and soil pulling away from the side of the pot. If you’re unsure, wait a day — a slightly thirsty plant recovers far more easily than a waterlogged one.
Aglaonema care guide
Chinese Evergreen with silvery-patterned leaves in various colors. Extremely shade-tolerant; adapts to low light excellently. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Tolerates 60-75°F and average humidity. Use general potting soil. Grows 12-24 inches tall. Produces red berries with age. Propagate via cuttings or division. Extremely reliable and low-maintenance.
Aglaonema watering FAQ
How often should I water my Aglaonema?
Water your Aglaonema about every 11 days. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Terracotta pots, bright light and small plants dry out faster; glazed pots, low light and larger plants hold water for longer.
Should Aglaonema dry out between waterings?
Yes. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Push a finger a couple of inches into the soil before you pour. Dry at that depth means go ahead; still cool and damp means wait. The top dries first and lies about the rest.
How much water does a Aglaonema need?
Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — a Aglaonema sitting in water is the quickest way to rot its roots.
Should I water my Aglaonema less in winter?
Usually, yes. Growth slows and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the interval stretches to about every 15 days. Check the soil rather than sticking rigidly to the calendar.
Does a terracotta pot change how often I water a Aglaonema?
Yes. Terracotta breathes and dries faster, so a Aglaonema in terracotta needs water about every 10 days, compared with every 11 days in plastic and every 12 days in a glazed pot.
How do I know when my Aglaonema needs water?
Push a finger a couple of inches into the soil before you pour. Dry at that depth means go ahead; still cool and damp means wait. The top dries first and lies about the rest.
